Pharmacy Technician - Diploma
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Pharmacy technicians work collaboratively with pharmacists and members of the health care team in the promotion of wellness, disease prevention and the management of chronic diseases. Pharmacy technicians are responsible and accountable for ensuring accuracy in product preparation and release. Graduates have the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to meet the entry-level competencies defined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).
The mission of the Pharmacy Technician Program is to graduate professional pharmacy technician candidates who successfully complete the registration process. The vision of the program is to develop critical-thinking, lifelong learners committed to collaborative, safe practices and advancement of the pharmacy technician profession.
The program is accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). Graduates of the program are eligible for direct admission into the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada certification process and the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia registration process.
Highlights
- Career ready in 15 months—condensed diploma
- Flexible learning with theory courses completed online (asynchronous)
- 8-week in-person lab in Castlegar, Duncan or Prince George
- Small class sizes, instructor led and supported
- Accredited with Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP)
- In demand! Nearly flawless employability rate for our grads!
The program is delivered using a blend of online theory courses, in-person lab classes and practicum hours in both hospital and community. The program is 15 months in length and consist of three theory terms, one lab term and ten weeks of practicum. Students complete eight weeks of in-person labs with Selkirk College on the Castlegar Campus, or as a transfer credit with Vancouver Island University (VIU) on the Cowichan Campus* or the College of New Caledonia on the Prince George Campus, where they apply theory learned in the online courses and prepare for practicum.
*Please note, the VIU Cowichan cohort for August 2025 is now full and a waitlist has been started.
Consider this program if you:
- Are detailed-oriented and well organized
- Enjoy working in a fast-paced team environment
- Are self-motivated and committed to lifelong learning
- Have strong interpersonal communication skills
- Are a critical thinker
- Enjoy computer technology
- Are caring and empathetic
![Halley Whittleton, Pharmacy Technician](/sites/default/files/styles/1_1_scale_and_crop_medium/public/images/selkirk-college-student-testimonial-halley-whittleton-pharmacy-technician.jpg?h=6017e4f1&itok=KB6_Z3FQ)